Vikings Projection: Sixth Place

FileJerry Glanville's Vikings are projected to finish sixth in the Big Sky Conference

PARK CITY, Utah -- Portland State was picked to place sixth in both preseason Big Sky Conference football polls released Tuesday morning by the league at the Big Sky Conference Football Kickoff.

The Vikings, coming off a 3-8 season, 3-5 in the Big Sky, finished sixth in last season's Big Sky race.

Second-year PSU coach Jerry Glanville didn't place significant stock in the preseason polls, but when asked about his team's position in the rankings, said: "On paper, we think we'll be good, but we have to go prove it."

Defending conference champion Montana was picked first in both the coaches and media polls. Montana garnered seven of nine first-place votes from the coaches. Eastern Washington was a close second in the media poll to Montana, earning 19 first-place votes to 23 for the Grizzlies.

Northern Arizona and Montana State share the third and fourth place positions in both polls, followed by fifth place Weber State. PSU, Sacramento State, Idaho State and Northern Colorado hold down the final three spots, respectively.

The Vikings figure to be very young in 2008, with just 11 returning starters and 29 returning letterwinners. Preseason practice begins at Portland State on Aug. 4. The season-opener is an Aug. 30 contest against Western Oregon at PGE Park. Big Sky play begins on Sept. 27 at Sacramento State.